21 July 2020

Amazing Bergamo

A unique kaleidoscope of history, art and nature

Sponsored by Visit Bergamo

Do you love holidays full of surprises?

Modern and ancient at the same time, Bergamo has two hearts: the medieval Upper Town and the new Lower Town. Reach Città Alta (the Upper Town) with the nineteenth-century funicular railway or the stone stairs to experience an exciting ascent through gardens, villas and unusual views in the shadow of the Venetian walls, a UNESCO world heritage site since 2017.

In the old town, you will find - in addition to historical insignia - the magnificent Piazza Vecchia with the high Campanone Bell Tower, the Angelo Maj Library and the Palazzo della Ragione, whose arcades lead to the Cathedral and the Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore, a Romanesque-Lombard and Baroque jewel.

Do you want to climb even higher? The San Vigilio funicular takes you to Castle hill, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view while enjoying a typical aperitif.

Then go down to the Lower Town and dive into the lively modernity of the 21st century, tempered by a historical heritage no less famous. Among food and wine venues, designer shops and artisan shops you can explore the boroughs, the Piacentiniano Centre and the Donizetti Theatre, without forgetting the Accademia Carrara, one of the most important art galleries in Italy that preserves works by Botticelli, Tiziano, Canaletto, Hayez and Lotto.

But Bergamo is not only urban. Città Alta is also the starting point for many paths in the Parco dei Colli, perfect for long walks in Bergamo’s green hills. The possibilities are endless!

Ready to push yourself further?

Just outside Bergamo, Lake Iseo with Montisola, the largest lake island in Europe, and Lake Endine in the heart of the Cavallina Valley await you.

The Brembana, Seriana and Scalve valleys will satisfy your desire for the mountains by offering you MTB and trekking routes (don't miss the Orobie Path). In winter, there is skiing and snowboarding, as well as gems such as intact medieval villages (Cornello dei Tasso, Oneta, Arnosto) and San Pellegrino Terme, home of well-being and of a water that is famous all over the world. The Romanesque churches of the Imagna Valley are also unique, including the Rotonda di San Tomè.

Once you reach the plain, new surprises await you: the lower Bergamo area is a florilegium of medieval castles, some still surrounded by a moat. Along "Leonardo’s river" you will find the Crespi d'Adda workers' village (19th century), bordering the Natural park that houses the Leonardo ferry.

And the food and wine excellences?

There are those too! Delight your palate with polenta, casoncelli and scarpinòcc, without neglecting the 9 DOP that have given Bergamo the title of World Capital of Cheese. You can accompany them with San Pellegrino water and Valcalepio red wine. For a sweet finish, try the polenta and ösei with marzipan and chocolate.

All this is enriched every season by special events such as the Donizetti Opera festival, I Maestri del Paesaggio Landscape Festival, Bergamo Film Meeting and the Bergamo Jazz Festival. Everything is within easy reach thanks to the Milan Bergamo International Airport, just 5km from the city centre and connected to more than 120 destinations.

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Published on Avion Tourism Special Edition for Milan Bergamo Airport N74/2020 (digital edition).